Built in 1865 and an exquisite example of Second Empire architecture, the Blackinton Mansion in North Adams, Massachusetts, is now home to the North Adams Public Library. The history of North Adams can hardly be told without mention of the S. Blackinton and Sons wool mills. Sanford Blackinton made his millions on the wool industry. Blackinton entered the wool trade as the industry was expanding in New England and later boomed because of the need of woolen goods for the Union Army. He built his mansion smack in the middle of North Adams at the intersection of Church and Main St. 

The Blackinton Mansion was purchased and renovated as a library in 1896. The integrity of the building was maintained during renovations, carved rich woods deck the walls of the beautifully decorated interior. Take your pick of plush winged-back chair to sit and enjoy a book. The North Adams Library houses over 58,000 books, provides access to local history and newspaper archives, and public computers. A great place to do research, or quiet place to work.